#see how predictable I am haha

[justafriend-ql]

2024 gmmtv bl + gl predictions/wishlist

okay okay, i know it's only july. but i'm a little crazy, so i'm already thinking about the 2024 lineup. some general observations that are informing my predictions:

the 2023 lineup features 9 bls and 1 gl (out of 22 total series). 2 of the bls are ensemble casts (our skyy 2, only friends). so we can probably expect ~10 ql series next year.

as a general rule, it seems like gmmtv's main pairs will get a series every other year or so, although some popular pairings may be mains two years in a row.

they also seem to give lead roles to one or two new main pairings per year - usually pairs that have been floated as side couples in series that aired the year prior (e.g., milklove, perthchimon)

*please note that this is entirely speculation and i don't intend to start any wars in the notes. also: i will be talking about the pairs from an analytical/business perspective; if that makes you uncomfortable, i recommend you just keep scrolling*

bl predictions (in no particular order)

winny x satang series

rationale: given the success of their pairing in my school president and the many fanmeets/brand sponsorship events they've had together this year (including some solo events abroad), this is almost a guarantee. genre prediction: i'm guessing it will be a romcom with a bit of a darker/angstier edge to it, since winny and satang are great at the enemies to lovers trope and are talented dramatic actors.

2. pond x phuwin series

rationale: since fish upon the sky, these two have been a very popular pairing (particularly in thailand, it seems). along with joongdunk and geminifourth, they're part of the 'new gen' group that gmmtv has do a lot of fanmeets/brand sponsorship events (which means $$$ for gmmtv). their last series, never let me go, aired mostly in 2023 but was scheduled for 2022, so a 2024 series would be in keeping with the every-other-year rule. genre prediction: i think their next series will lean more towards the romcom end of the spectrum, given that never let me go was a lakorn and (regrettably, in my opinion) wasn't as popular as fish upon the sky.

3. gemini x fourth series

rationale: this is another no-brainer, really. this pair is so wildly popular that they're already having a solo concert together. both are very good actors (and performers) despite their young age. gmmtv would be stupid not to capitalize on their popularity and skill. genre prediction: probably still romcom, but with a little more "maturity" than my school president. they're young, but that hasn't ever stopped gmmtv from upping the intensity of the physical intimacy, in particular (e.g., phuwin was 19, about the same age as gemini and fourth, when never let me go was filmed).

4. first x khaotung series

rationale: though these two certainly aren't bound to the branded pair model, they excel when they act opposite to each other. the eclipse garnered a lot of popularity for them, and that's only going to grow after only friends. genre prediction: these two can carry heavy, emotional scenes and dark themes extremely well, so it'd be great to see them in a darker genre (the eclipse, while dealing with heavy topics, still had a lot of lighter romcom moments). personally, i'd love to see them lead a p'aof production, which might be likely since p'aof worked with (and was impressed with) the two of them on moonlight chicken. a period drama with these two would be super interesting.

5. neo x mark series

rationale: these two are the wildcard pairing in only friends and were originally the side couple in cooking crush (before they switched out mark due to overbooking him). this is consistent with gmmtv's tendency to float a couple in a series or two before giving them a series of their own. they're both in the same boat, having been relegated to the "funny side character" role for a while, but they have tremendous potential to do more, and gmmtv seems to recognize that now with their decision of casting them in only friends. genre prediction: hmm this one is tricky, since these two can do romcom and drama equally well. if i had to guess, they'll give neo and mark an "edgy"/"sexy" sereies because they're willing to go there and they can execute it well, which isn't necessarily true of all other gmmtv pairs.

6. force x book series

rationale: okay, i know i said gmmtv usually doesn't give pairs a main series two years in a row. but in forcebook's case, i think it's likely. for some reason that i don't personally understand, enchante didn't seem to resonate with a lot of people, but their popularity has skyrocketed since a boss and a babe and will only grow more when only friends airs. i think gmmtv will go with the momentum and give them another series in 2024. genre prediction: forcebook have done two romcoms already, so hopefully they'll get to branch out into another genre. personally, i think a mafia-type series led by these two would be really sick.

gl predictions (in no particular order)

gmmtv is testing the gl waters with milklove-led 23.5 this year. given the popularity of idol factory's gap the series (which surpassed 2gether's viewing stats by a wide margin), gmmtv will need to invest in the gl market in order to remain competitive. that's why i think there will be at least 2 gls in 2024, rather than just one.

view x june series

rationale: view and june will star in dangerous romance and 23.5 this year, indicating that gmmtv is looking to brand them or at least give them main roles in 2024. they're both talented actresses who have a lot of experience and can easily handle heavier material. it's just a matter of how well they're received as a pair in the series that air in 2023. genre prediction: we don't know what their dynamic will be like in their 2023 series, but i think a lakorn-style, enemies to lovers narrative would suit view and june well and give them a chance to showcase their great acting skills. a sci-fi series would also be really neat!

2. sizzy girl group series

rationale: this one might be more of a personal wish than a likely prediction, since gmmtv hardly gives sizzy the time of day. but! jan and aye have played queer characters before, and ciize has repeatedly expressed interest in doing a gl (even talking to jane about being paired together). they're all great actresses and performers (sizzy concert when??), so it really would be amazing if they got their own series. genre prediction: i'm feeling a rom-com for them. my personal dream is a series about a literal girl group of performers (like sizzy itself) so that there can be original music for each episode like in my school president. bonus points if nanon can guest star as their slaytastic manager (i'm never getting over their love score collab).

ensemble predictions (in no particular order)

given the growing number of branded and un-branded pairs within gmmtv, gmmtv will have to lean more into ensemble series (like only friends) in order to give everyone screen-time.

a light-hearted romcom (like our skyy 2)

rationale: this would be an opportunity to give airtime to any branded pairs that don't have their own series, or more work for popular pairs. a light-hearted romcom with a stacked ensemble cast would be a huge moneymaker for gmmtv with lots of fanmeet/concert opportunities (like my school president). cast predictions: we could see many members of the my school president gang (geminifourth, markford, potentially also aun and prom) here. this could also be a chance to float new gl pairings!

2. a more mature, jojo-style series (like only friends)

rationale: other production companies are ratcheting up the heat of their series; gmmtv will do so too in order to stay competitive. for better or for worse, sex sells, and like only friends, a series like this would attract a lot of attention and excitement on social media. cast predictions: this is where some of their older, more established pairs come into play. we could see jimmysea or offgun here. or even joongdunk or pondphuwin, since these two pairs are being pushed in the direction of higher heat. this could look like a mafia or gang-war style series, or maybe something with paranormal/horror themes.

bonus: things that probably won't happen but i would desperately like to see

namtan, tu, ploypach and/or prim gl (please i'm begging i would DIE; can you imagine a period piece with these four?? the costumes alone would have me on my knees)

joongdunk/pondphuwin vampire series (i don't care if it's cringe; did you see joongdunk's dumdum performance??)

breaking up branded pairs (imagine, for example, if joongdunk/pondphuwin switched partners; or winnysatang/markford; or jimmysea/forcebook)

fluke pusit main series (i mean, come on)

midnight museum season 2 khathadome canon (not brothers, please be serious)

okay, that's it. feel free to add your own predictions/wishlist. remember: these are just my own ideas and opinions! don't take anything i say too seriously haha

[skitskatdacat63]

"These two. 💚" via Aston Martin's Instagram

[lab-gr0wn-lambs]

[babacontainsmultitudes]

Just know the urge to rewatch the breakfast club is plaguing me and it’s entirely your fault what have you done to me /j lol

LOL DUDE I was literally just talking with one of my sisters about how I'm kind of itching to rewatch that movie now lmaooo you *should* you should actually!

[inkykeiji]

CLARI BBY WHEN ARE WE GETTING A NEW GOJO FIC?

HEHEHE I DUNNO ANON BB uhhh i’ll probably feel like working on it when season two starts airing!!! i have a great idea for a gojo fic that i love so much that i definitely do want to finish,,, at some point,,,,,, hoping seeing him animated again will help motivate me to get it done!

[angelofsmalldeaath]

Hi!! I hope you’re doing well love! 🥰 just imagine staying in with Andrew and cuddling all day with him playing with your hair. Little kisses happen here and there, but nothing too steamy. Just laying with each other perfectly content.

sorry i've been gone for so long but i have some free time today. it rained all day and this request is speaking to me very much haha because i would have loved to spend the whole day in bed (with andrew) alas... there is work

cw: sappy as always!!!

“do you think we could have one day utterly undisturbed?” he poses the question as soon as he’s awake. well, alert at least. beside him, i turn, still half-asleep, and bury my face in his chest. 

he’s sleep-warm and soft, yet to move and disturb our perfect little cocoon. 

“i am not the famous one here,” i snicker and feel him exhale. 

his fingers trail up my arm. it’s not intentional, i realise, he’s deep in thought. if i were to open my eyes (a herculean task) and look up at him right now, i’d see that all-too-familiar expression on his face—brows pinched, lip caught between his teeth, eyes faraway. 

“darling boy—”

“we should have a day,” he interrupts, and i crack an eye open, coming face to face with his white t-shirt. “to ourselves, i mean. you and me.”

“and your phone callls?”

“i’ll turn it off!”

“would you?” i smile at him lazily, finally open my eyes too. 

he looks exactly as i’d predicted, with the addition of soft sunlight on his face, lightening his green eyes some more. the red in his hair looks gorgeous like this—messy and unkempt. without much thought, i thread my fingers through it. he closes his eyes and smiles. 

“for you?”

“no,” i thumb over the crinkles around his eyes, “for you.”

he wrinkles his nose, like a child being told to finish his vegetables. “things feel better when i do them for you.”

“alright, then,” i relent and continue threading my fingers through his hair. it’s a languid movement, and yet he leans into it. “would you turn it off for me?”

“but it’s all the way over there!” he almost whines, pointing somewhere behind his back, at his phone that’s barely a foot away. 

i laugh. “and if it rings?”

“you have my full permission to chuck it out the window,” he declares, pulling me closer until we are one tangled entity, limbs intertwined—his leg between mine and my face tucked in the crook of his neck and his chin on top of my head. 

“what should we do then?” i giggle. it’s funny how much he doesn’t want to get out bed today, not to make coffee or use the loo, not to get a book to read and pass the time, not even to think about having breakfast. i let it be. it’s not often we have this. 

“stay like this?”

“for how long?”

“hmmm,” the vibrations from his voice pass through my whole body and send tingles down my spine, “the entire day maybe, the night too. i don’t know, forever.”

sluggishly he shifts, until his hand is right by my head, fingers weaving through my hair. it’s gentle, tender, so much so that i feel sleep coming over me once again, but i strain my eyes and stay awake. 

“i could get behind that,” i speak into his chest, voice muffled. a moment later, he tilts my chin up for a kiss—featherlight, barely-there, and yet it leaves goosebumps in its wake.

it doesn’t go unnoticed either. a moment later, he lets go of my lips and trails kisses up my arm—sweet, chaste kisses that somehow do the opposite of what he intends. or perhaps this is exactly what he intends. 

“and what happens when we get hungry, hmm?”

“is my love not enough for you?!” he grumbles and i snort, unable to keep it in at his exasperated tone. it takes more effort than i’m happy with, but when i kiss his nose in response, he smiles again. 

we stay quiet after that—maybe for a minute, maybe for an hour—but when i open my eyes, he’s already staring at me. 

“hi,” i giggle.

“hi,” he copies my tone. 

i feel a little shy then. there’s no reason for it. we have done this before—stolen mornings and tiny moments rescued from the clutches of busy afternoons, swamped evenings that still somehow hold pockets of quiet for the two of us—but he’s right here now, holding me so close like he never intends on letting go. 

i hope he doesn’t.

“sounds like a good day in my head,” i confess in a whispered voice, “to be here with you and do nothing.”

he nods and kisses me again, a little longer this time, a little more fierce. “sounds perfect to me too.”

[mcnyoom]

So I am going to ramble some more about my Oscar goes apeshit in Baku predictions because it has grabbed my by the lapels and shaken me around.

So we start with Hungary. First win, big win, this is awesome, but he seems generally unenthusiastic. Haha, we all say, typical unemotional Oscar. Boo, the media says, you should have prioritized Lando, that’s not a real win because team orders.

And then we have spa. Solid, p3 that became p2, but —a theme that will develop— unrealized potential with Oscar chasing someone down and not quite making it on the last laps. Will-he-won’t-he, and it seems he won’t. He’s clearly not pleased in post race debriefs.

Zandvoort. Everyone knows the McLaren is the fastest car by this point, and Lando has the race of his life. A 20 second gap to second, and Oscar spends most of the race chasing Leclerc for third, so close but yet so far. Another race ended by chasing someone down and not quite making it. Media calls it a SPECTACULAR drive by Lando (it was!) and overall a disappointing weekend for Oscar, who at this point is probably gnashing his teeth off camera somewhere.

And so we come to Monza!! This weekend is Oscar throwing his elbows out in a big way. He’s making a statement, and the statement is fuck your team orders, fuck being “second driver” and fuck this narrative of Oscar being the guy who can’t quite pull it off. Except, yet again, he doesn’t quite pull it off and is stuck, yet again, behind Charles Leclerc. In the cooldown room after, when he says to Leclerc “I didn’t think you’d make it to the end, or I did but I thought you’d be slower” what he’s actually saying is “how the fuck did you do that, you fucking bastard”. Points for self restraint, but you can see in post race interviews he’s pissed.

This is Oscar, so there’s still calculation here: when he’s mean about Lance to the media afterwards? It’s funny, but also, he’s trial running a much sharper persona than we’ve seen so far. I’ve described it in tags before as heading in an Alonso direction — he doesn’t mind having a little villain arc!

The problem with Monza is he didn’t win. Gauntlets thrown, papaya rules in the wind, and he’s still only p2. That’s frustrating (and possibly embarrassing) in a big way, especially in light of people who still say his first win was gifted. So now we have an Oscar that’s getting more comfortable being the bad guy, doing dramatic bold things to get what he wants, and he still hasn’t quite got it.

So I think he’s gonna go fucking insane in Baku.

[surshica]

PRINCESS TREATMENT

: CL16

genre: stupid fluff, social media (smau)

warnings: translated french

A/N: let’s ignore everything that happened in this gp! this is my first EVER f1 fic so ernmmm bare with me! i’ve had this like whole thing in my head for a while but i was just too lazy LMAO ANYWAYS i’m also deprived of some fics..ENJOY ?!!

synopsis: soft launching a relationship with charles — charles leclerc x streamer fem!reader (fc: tina kitten)

yourusername

liked by lilymhe, alex_albon, georgerussell63, charles_leclerc and 793,610 others

yourusername when he gets the princess treatment instead of me..

user1 my streamer is in a relationship..🫠

user2 this means we can’t be parasocial no more…I HOPE THIS “MAN” CAN FIGHT.

alex_albon okay tell him to stop being clingy so you can play goat simulator with us

yourusername he said, “they suck at the game so they can wait, i like the princess treatment” soo…

user4 as much as i want to theorize and say it’s an F1 driver it’s unlikely…she’s just a twitch streamer.

user8 “just a twitch streamer” my ass..as if she isn’t the biggest streamer and influencer

user4 i mean itd be a downgrade for a professional to date a non professional athlete or like model or idol🤷‍♀️

charles_leclerc okay little buddy it’s past your bedtime

charles_leclerc aww so cute (HOP ONTO GOAT SIMULATOR LANDO IS BEING ANNOYINGGG)

landonorris okay buddy..don’t make me use THE blackmail.

charles_leclerc

liked by yourusername, carlossainz55, tomholland and 2,072,473 others

charles_leclerc my jpg era? nahh

user3 okay so are we going to talk about who took these photos cause i know damn well you didn’t take them..

yourusername whoever styled you should get a raise

charles_leclerc i’ll tell her that, it’ll inflate her ego some more

yourusername she doesn’t deserve you 😐

user5 HOLD ON. HER?? IS HE IN A RELATIONSHIP AS WELL.

user6 this is kinda suspicious..what if.

user2 WHAT IF????

user6 what if yn and charles are 🤞

carlossainz55 charlie finally got a sense of style !!

pierregasly groundbreaking ‼️

user9 okay but why does he actually look good in this outfit..

user10 f1 twt going crazy over this fit

liked by yourusername

yourusername

liked by charles_leclerc, landonorris, georgerussell63 and 628,927 others

yourusername stream today!! we’ll be playing among us vr with *drumroll* landonorris and georgerussell63, be sure to tune into it today

user1 WITH THOSE TWO??? it sounds chaotic..

user10 HMMM….

charles_leclerc where is my invite ☹️

yourusername you said no because chat would laugh at you..

charles_leclerc this makes it seem like those two are your favorites…

yourusername they are.

charles_leclerc hand back the paddock passes<3

yourusername IM JOKING HAHA YOURE MY FAVORITE!!

liked by charles_leclerc

user5 bye they’re literally flirting.

liked by charles_leclerc and yourusername

user6 THE HEART AFTER PADDOCK..am i seeing this correctly

user2 what if you actually predicted it…

alex_albon i can already hear lando screaming..

landonorris slanderous.

charles_leclerc

liked by yourusername, pierregasly, landonorris, lewishamiliton, alex_albon and 1,729,168 others

charles_leclerc désolé mon amour le secret est sorti..😅❤️

user6 YEAH I KNEW IT. everyone who made bets pay up! i do apple pay venmo zelle paypal

user1 bye you’re so unserious 😭

user3 aye they tryna make bank i don’t blame them

user2 it’s like they’re a mastermind..IS CHARLES GOING TO WIN THE NEXT GP?!?

user6 yes. he is going to podium and be at least 2 or 3

yourusername you couldn’t wait just a little longer..not till your next gp? ;;

charles_leclerc my fingers slipped!!

yourusername fat fingers!

charles_leclerc that’s not very nice chéri:(

yourusername yeah no more princess treatment for you.

charles_leclerc HEY NOW…THATS NOT FUNNY.

landonorris are mom and dad fighting..☹️

charles_leclerc i hope you never get imposter when you play amongus again

landonorris HEY MAN TOO FAR.

user11 “mon amour” BYE. I DONT EVEN WANNA KNOW HOW LONG THEYVE BEEN TOGETHER.

user10 the pictures..THE PICTURES. sleeping on a highway tonight 🤞

user4 interesting choice in a s/o…

user7 the floating lantern picture…I JUST WANNA KNOW WHO WAS THE ONE THIRD WHEELING THAT THING.

yourbestie that person would be me 😍

yourbestie took y’all forever, im surpised charlie brown over here didn’t spill the beans earlier

charles_leclerc who are you calling charlie brown? 😒

yourbestie you.

@ surshica | rb & follow.

[zarla-s]

Please don't take this as me being angry or trying to be rude or anything, but this ask is... baffling to me?? For a variety of reasons, haha.

Like, I don't set out to create a "fandom" around my stuff when I do things, I just do them cause I feel like it and sometimes I get lucky enough that people enjoy it and feel inspired to create or talk about it! I'm not really trying to fill a void left by one of these "fandoms" by making a new "fandom" around things I make, I'm just doing stuff.

The idea of a stockpile of interests getting too big is also bizarre to me? Like... for an example of both things, you can watch Stamp on the Ground, it's chock full of all kinds of weird obscure interests of mine I just put in there because I liked them, and I since have many many more. There isn't really a limit to how many interests you can have!

Mentioning abandoning TF2 is also very funny to me because I kind of already did that once?? When I started drawing it again in 2023 I was coming back to it, the last time I drew anything for it was 2009. Twelve years where I didn't even touch it! Starting up again was the last thing I expected and yet here I am!

Which relates to the greater point I guess which is that my interests and inspiration don't just die and disappear, they just go dormant. They're always waiting there for the right cue to wake them up, and I can never predict when it happens. TF2 is the most recent example! But Vargas is a long-running one, I take huge hiatuses from it where I don't write or draw or think about it for a long time, but it's always there in the back of my mind. I went absolutely nuts for it around 2020 and then it went back to sleep for the most part, but I still get ideas every now and then. It's not gone. It's just taking a break.

All the things I like and make stuff for are like that. There are a few I don't see myself coming back to any time soon, but then again I thought that about TF2 and now I've made the most elaborate site I've ever made for it. I can't predict these things. What'll be next? I have no idea. MGS again? StarCon2? Ace Attorney? Or maybe it'll be something new? Who knows!

And I think describing one of those "fandoms" as crumbling and dying is a bit unfair... I don't think of it like that. I mean, I started Vargas in 2003 and I last updated it in 2021 and I'm still hearing from new people that just got into it! All the stuff I've made is still "alive" in that way. I do feel guilty in that transition period between one interest and another because I feel like I'm disappointing people who followed me for that one thing though, haha. But what can you do? Gotta do my thing! Follow where my heart leads me! Not everyone's going to be along for the ride, and that's fine.

(Those of you have stuck around through all my different interests, I appreciate you deeply <3)

[aayakashii]

Based on one of Haru's voice lines, in which he implies he is barely eating properly ｡°(°¯᷄◠¯᷅°)°｡ took matters into my own hands and made the hardworking king eat a bit ( –֊ｰ)✧

I have no idea why I formatted it like this, but I guess I'll be rolling with it

the way to a man's heart is through his stomach

“I ate a few of the snacks I gave to Peekaboo earlier today, so I'm fine!” Haru says with one of his thumbs up, disheveled hair and mud all over his clothes “I promise, I'm not hungry at all, haha!”

“Haru” you say, in a serious and deep tone “You can't keep neglecting your health like this, you know?”

“But I gotta feed all the animals first, dontcha think?” He says, chucking another fruit towards the angry and starving cockatrices that threatened to bite his fingers off if he took even a little bit longer to feed them .

“Well” you say, crossing your arms and quirking an eyebrow “If you fall ill again, then no one's gonna be feeding the animals, dontcha think?”

Haru gasped dramatically “Come on!! I just got sick last time because I got scratched, now check this out” he says, sticking out his arms and twirling on the spot “I am A-okay, no scratches to be seen at a-oof!”

As if on cue, Towa leaped from one of the tall boulders that surrounded the field, straight into Haru's arms, tightly hugging the Captain.

“Towa! I was just showing (y/n) that I have no bruises, it wasn't an invitation for a hug!” Haru gasped, as Towa rubbed his cheek on the top of his head, just like a cat.

You sighed, leaving the two Jabberwock students behind as you trudged back towards their dorm, tired and incredibly frustrated.

Seeing Haru overexert himself on a daily basis caused a pang in your heart. He barely received any help, and it’s not like you could be properly useful either, since each and every animal in this place could snap you in half with just one forceful push, or tear a limb away with just one bite.

So you had to do your best babysitting Peekaboo whenever he needed, lightening up the load the only way you could.

As you opened the door to the Jabberwock dorm, you made a beeline for the kitchen – Ren was out working at the diner, so it would be fine to take a peek at the state of things without prying eyes.

And… how predictable. There was nothing but animal food in the freezer. And in the pantry, and in the cabinets.

You sighed loudly. You kind of could understand Towa not eating – maybe he just… photosynthesized? – but Haru wasn’t as whimsical as your resident fairy boy that could (probably) live on bubbles, sunlight, and flowers. “He still needs to eat, damn it.” you muttered, closing the refrigerator’s door with a bit too much force.

With a strong resolve, you decide to jog your way to your own dorm.

Since you came to Darkwick Academy, the Chancellor had been extremely kind to you. Granted, the dorm WAS a rundown dusty cathedral in the beginning, but he still made his best to fix everything to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible.

Which means: the Chancellor had given you an entire kitchen and a small allowance that let you buy as much food as you needed since the cafeteria wasn’t open 24/7.

You aren’t exactly the best cook in the world, but you could still make your own snacks, if needed. Sho would probably yap endlessly about your lack of culinary ability if he saw you with all hands on deck, but what mattered was getting by.

Therefore, you got to work: separating lettuce, carrots, eggs and every other healthy thing you could find in your inventory, you prepared four well stuffed egg sandwiches: for Towa, Ren, yourself and, of course, Haru.

After packing the food and a bottle of juice, you strode back to the Jabberwock dorm.

After two sandwiches carefully placed in that barren, sad refrigerator, and a stroll back to the field, you found Haru feeding the Capybus with huge leaves as he cooed, admiring the huge animal anomaly.

“Hey, I’m back” you said, making your way back to his side

“Oh! Hello (y/n), where did you go all of a sudden? I’m about to finish giving her this food!”

Ignoring his question, you pointed at a tree a few meters away from the spot “Hm, when you finish, could you go over there? I need to talk to you, so I’ll sit there and wait”

Haru’s face drooped immediately “Eh, okay…? Is everything fine?! Are you upset with something?”

You waved dismissively as you walked towards the tree “Don’t worry, it's nothing! Just don’t keep me waiting too long!”

Haru finished his job quickly and jogged his way to the tree, sitting under the shadow beside you.

“Wh-what’s going on? What did you need to talk about?” he asked, fidgeting, a worried frown on his face.

“Hey, don’t worry, I told you it’s nothing horrible” you laughed “But I want you to do something for me, if possible”

“Oh!” His face immediately lit up. “What is it?”

You opened your bag and placed the toasty sandwich on his lap.

“I want you to eat properly for once”.

Haru blinked at the food, silent.

His prolonged silence made it your turn to fidget uncomfortably “Haru?”

“You made this?” he asked, his voice quieter than usual.

You nodded. “It’s nothing fancy, but I can’t let you waste away while you do everything in here. I can’t do much besides babysitting the little guys, so at least I want to help you in another way… Is this okay? Sorry if I’m crossing a boundary…”

“No, no” Haru shook his head and turned his gaze towards you, smiling softly “It’s… I really appreciate it. It's just – I’m not very used to something this thoughtful. This was a surprise – a good surprise, obviously.” He said, unwrapping his sandwich.

As the scent of food hit his nose, Haru’s stomach growled loudly. “Oh dear” he giggled, sheepishly scratching his head as a blush appeared on his face “I guess you might be starting to know me a little better than myself”.

You laughed as well, but clutched his arm right before he could actually touch the sandwich, holding a finger up “Wait, wait!”

Rummaging through your bag, you fetched a small bottle and sprayed his hands thoroughly “That’s alcohol. Please always clean your hands before eating” you said, solemnly “You might be a ghoul, but your tummy can ache as well”.

Haru stared at you blankly for a moment, then immediately started laughing loudly as he drenched his hands in alcohol.

“You know, people usually say I’m the mother of all these animals, but being on the receiving end does feel kinda good” he said, still laughing happily, making a blush creep up on your cheeks.

“It’s- it’s just hygiene, okay?” you pouted, cleaning your hands as well and grabbing your own sandwich.

“I know, I know” He said, still unable to control his smile “Well, then… Can we dig in?” Haru asked, holding the snack close to his face, mouth wide open as if he was waiting for your okay to take the first bite.

“Let's eat!” You said and Haru immediately chomped his sandwich, taking a big bite “I do hope it's edible enough…” you murmured, eyeing him carefully to gauge his reaction.

After that big bite, Haru let out a loud “Mmh!!” as he chewed, his cheeks puffed like a squirrel who put one too many acorns in their mouth.

“What?? Is it that bad? I'm sorry!”

He eagerly shook his head as he finished chewing, a small piece of chopped carrot still stuck on his chin “No no no, stop selling yourself short!! This tastes great!!”

You let out a sigh of relief and took your first bite, confirming that, indeed, you did a good job with the snacks.

After a few moments of silence as you two snacked together, Haru ate the last bit of his sandwich, letting out a sigh of pure satisfaction.

“Ahhh… that was so good! Thank you so much, honestly.”

“See? And you didn't even notice at all how hungry you were! Here, now drink this” You grabbed the juice bottle you prepared and opened the lid, tilting the container towards him “Drink it while it's still cold, it'll taste a lot better.”

“... You truly prepared all of this for me?” Haru asked, gazing at the bottle.

“Of course I did. I made sandwiches for Ren and Towa too so they wouldn't feel left out, but truthfully, I made it all for…” your voice trailed off as you looked at Haru.

He avoided your gaze, a faint blush tinting his cheeks.

“Um. Yeah” you cleared your throat “I made it all for you. And I will do it more times to make sure you're eating properly! I don't want you to get sick ever again.”

Haru nodded silently. “I'm sorry for worrying you that day…” he mumbled into the now empty juice bottle.

You sighed heavily. “Hey. It's fine, Haru. Just remember there's a lot of people who always want to see you healthy and happy, okay? I'm one of them.”

He nodded once again, then immediately opened his arms out in a stretch, yawning loudly. He let his body fall heavy on the ground, with his head right beside you.

“I really am living in paradise, ain't I? Got this pretty place, cute animals and now even home cooked food…” he yawned again “I'm living the life… or maybe I already died and went to heaven…” he mumbled, almost incoherently.

“Geez Haru, don't say this type of thing!” You almost went for a playful smack on his head, but right as your hand was about to touch him, you noticed Haru had fallen asleep almost immediately after lying down.

Your eyes softened at the sight of his relaxed figure right next to you, and your fingers found their way to his hair, interlocking them with his soft red locks.

Unbeknownst to you, as you watched him sleep soundly and petted him gently, a pair of pink eyes observed you two from afar.

Towa munched on his own sandwich after picking out the egg and leaving only the greens. His eyes were set on the two of you, and he let out an amused giggle.

“Well, well... I wonder if this will become another love story.”

[python333]

since i just woke up from one and came here to seek comfort and get it out of my head,i had the idea of "why not ask them if they'd like to write such a thing?" So here i am.

The main thing is reader having a really grotesque, explicit and horrific nightmare (that's how most of mine are) could be getting tortured,put in a meat grinder,you get it,work your magic and write as you wish haha.And after they wake up with a heavy and tight chest, horrified naturally,it being out of their control,could you have the 141 members comfort us? Perhaps one way of getting most of their reactions would be setting up a scenario where they had to camp and sleep in the same place, something of the sorts,so yeah.

Honestly still not over the nightmare yet that shit was horrific haha,but yeah,hope this'll be a nice writing for you,if you wish to do so.Take great care of yourself dear,and take as many breaks as you need<3

how the sausage gets made — python333

— — — —

synopsis you have a very graphic nightmare, the 141 comforts you!!!

relationships platonic! 141 & gn! reader.

characters cap. price, soap, ghost, gaz.

word count 3.2k

warnings nightmare about getting put through a meat grinder (not too graphic, but the imagery is still there), usage of [c/n] (code name/call sign), 2nd person pov (you/yours/youself)

note hi!! this is actually right up my alley, i really enjoyed writing this!! :D hopefully this somewhat comforts you/helps you get over the nightmare, and hopefully this was horrific enough for you!! ALSO i have a discord server now!! enjoy :3

You’re in some sort of freezer, it seems. 

Your vision is a bit blurred at the edges, and your head feels awfully heavy, making it hard to keep upright on your neck. Your shoulders feel tight and tense, as though the muscles in them were physically bundled and tied into tight knots. Though, they aren’t tense in the way they typically are. Somewhere in the back of your mind—as your gaze wanders around the blue-tinted room you lay in—you can recall times after sparring sessions with a few of your teammates when your shoulders felt tight, and it was nothing like this. Those times, you could feel the knots as though they grew roots from your shoulders to your wrists. Unlike now, your shoulders feel lighter than those times. 

Those times. You aren’t sure what “those times” refers to. All you can see and think about is the light blue tiling of the ceiling above you. It’s strange; you’ve only seen tiling like that on dingy bathroom floors in the public gym you used to go to. It’s never been on the ceiling like that. Huh. 

You can’t really feel your hands, which is even stranger. You know where they are—they’re right at your sides, laying on the stingingly cold concrete floor of whatever room you’re in—and can hear the echoing taps they give whenever you lift and hit them lightly against the floor, but yet they feel numb. You move one of them, not nearly as off-put by the numbness as you should be, and lift it up and over your face. It looks normal. No, yeah, that’s my hand alright. Don’t know what I expected. 

You put the hand back on the ground and using both hands you push yourself up from the floor, letting out a small grunt as you do. It takes an uncanny amount of force to push yourself upwards, but you manage to do so anyway, and you finally have a look at the room around you. You look ahead of you. Blue tarp. It’s shiny and almost looks woven, and if you squint your eyes enough, it looks grainy. You look to your left. More blue tarp. It’s of the same quality, the same quantity, and is in all aspects the exact same as the other blue tarp. You make a quick prediction before looking to your right, and, lo and behold, another blue tarp. How shocking. 

It looks the same as the other two. Frowning, you look behind you, and surprisingly you are not met with yet another blue tarp. This time, there’s a large, shiny, stainless steel machine behind you. It’s a good ten feet away, about the same distance away as the tarps, and for some reason it beckons to you. Like Princess Aurora to her spinning wheel, you find the strength to push yourself up to your feet completely, and immediately you begin walking towards the metal machine without much resistance. 

It doesn’t really hit you that you have no idea what this machine is or what it does. You don’t think you’ve seen anything like it. As you get closer, you can see a few items strung from the ceiling past the machine; weird plastic-clear looking tubes that are linked together in the same way clowns at parties twist balloons, and there’s iron-cast skillets hung on the ceiling from invisible hooks. Huh. Weird. Despite the oddities of the items strung from the ceiling, you keep walking towards the machine. 

When you get even closer, the machine becomes less blurred and comes more into focus. It looks completely untouched. There’s a large funnel at the top, one that requires a ladder to get to—conveniently, there’s a ladder set up on and welded to the machine itself—and beneath that is a horizontal tube that tapers off into a smaller, funnel-like shape at the end with a much smaller opening. You tilt your head curiously at the machine. It’s so shiny. Though, the longer you stare at it, the grainier it gets. 

Suddenly, cutting through your thoughts, you feel a harsh push at your back that almost has you knocking into the machine. Before you can even turn around to see who felt that they had the audacity to push you so harshly, that same entity that pushed you quickly lifted you into the air. Whatever they’re using to hold you up feels like absolutely nothing—as if they were just gathering enough air molecules to swoop you up. 

“H—” You try to protest, but your throat doesn’t work. Before you can say anything, it just gives out, and leaves you wheezing for a moment before trying again only to discover that, to your horror, you cannot talk. 

Your throat seems to close up every time you try to say anything. All that comes out are breathy wheezes and coughs that leave a strangely bad pain in your chest. As you try to stop your coughing, whatever is picking you up quickly dumps you into the large funnel on top of the machine. It’s cold and bites at your skin unforgivingly, making you hiss in discomfort. You don’t even clock how the cold is irritating your skin, despite you being fully clothed and none of your bare skin being exposed to the metal of the machine. 

You try to move your hands to the sides of the funnel to push yourself up, but you move at a painfully slow speed, and can’t do anything but stand still. Like a mannequin, you’re forced into a standing position and can’t do anything but stand in the funnel. You look down, and you’re standing on what seems to be some sort of cylinder. The bottom of the funnel ends around your mid-calf. 

Oddly, this reminds you of those nightmares you used to have when you were younger, where you were running from something or someone but moved too slow to get away. 

Suddenly, the cylinder begins to move. 

It spirals in place, making you quickly lose your balance and soon you’ve fallen in a lying position on the cylinder as it turns. It starts at a slow pace but starts to speed up, in time with your panic. You try to scramble to your feet but your limbs don’t allow it, keeping you stuck in place, the cylinder starting to turn even faster. 

You’re uncomfortably folded and pushed through the small ending of the funnel as the cylinder keeps moving, and once you’re through, you start to hear a strange whirring. 

It’s loud and sounds like some sort of shitty metal fan. It clangs against the sides of whatever tube you’re in and occasionally makes a horrible screeching noise that, if you could, you would cover your ears to escape. You turn your head to the side ever-so-slightly and see the “metal fan” itself—four sharp blades that spin clockwise, with a weird hole-filled circle behind them. You furrow—or, well, try to at least—your eyebrows at the sight. 

The fuck is that? You don’t realize you’re getting closer to it. 

The cylinder is now turning at an exceptionally fast pace, and only when you’re a few feet from the blades do you realize just how close you are to them. 

“Wait—” You finally find your voice, though it sounds far away and is muddy in your ears, “Stop, stop—” 

You’re not sure what else to say. You can’t tell if you’re begging, commanding, demanding, or anything of the sort. All you know is that the cylinder is going faster and faster, at an almost punishing pace that leaves you wondering what you could’ve done to deserve whatever the hell is happening to you. The blades emit an ungodly screech each time they get caught on a bump on the insides of the tube, and as you get even closer you can spot bright orange rust on the blades. 

The texture is enough to make you gag. You’re getting closer, and closer, and soon you’re barely a foot away from it. The screeching and the whirring is so loud. You can’t hear anything else—or, wouldn’t be able to hear anything else, if there was anything else to be heard. 

You can barely continue your train of thought before you feel a sharp, cold rush through your ankle. 

You hadn’t been paying enough attention. You didn’t realize how close your feet had gotten to the blades. 

The sound it had made when it was cut off was sickening. A loud pop, the same kind of pop that sounds when you break open the tab of a can. You open your mouth to scream but nothing comes out, and suddenly the rest of your leg is getting shredded by those same blades, and dear God, it’s so cold. It feels like dry ice cutting right through your calves, making its way up to your knees, soon to your thighs, much faster than you can process. 

Your thoughts come in small fleets that go as soon as they come and you’re never able to continue or dwell on a single one, always getting interrupted by the white-cold pain that literally cuts through your upper thighs. You can’t feel anything from the waist down. You can’t feel your legs, your feet, and you’re losing feeling in your hips—

Your hands desperately grasp at the cylinder, and you’re not sure what you’re doing but you’re trying to do something, anything, as long as it delays the inevitable shredding of your torso and head. But it doesn’t work. Of course it doesn’t. Whatever you had intended to do doesn’t work, and soon there’s a sharp cold pain that cuts into your ribcage, and suddenly you can’t even feel your stomach. 

Somewhere in the back of your mind, you can recognize the small sobs that escape you. 

Your chest is the next to go, and soon it’s your shoulders, and even though they’re not gone yet your hands have already gone numb, and you’re bracing yourself for the sharp-cold pain to reach your neck when suddenly—

You wake up, body immediately getting into an upright sitting position and your chest heaving as sweat drips down your forehead. The sweat is cold and your breathing is loud in your ears, your ears which are filled with ringing, the sound of just anything enough to make your breath hitch and a sob crawl into your throat. With open-mouthed pants, you blink rapidly at the space in front of you, before quickly raising your hands to your face and letting out a loud, shaky sigh when you can actually feel the air moving through your fingers. 

They aren’t numb. You plant them on the ground and just feel around, the rough fabric of your tent gliding under your hands. You shake your head vigorously, letting out another relieved sigh when you find that it’s still attached to your neck and hasn’t been sliced through. You move your legs and they’re still attached to your body. Everything is still on you. You’re in the same clothes you went to sleep in. You have all of your body parts. You are in one piece. Nothing is missing. You’re fine. 

Despite repeating to yourself that everything’s okay—you’re physically together, you’re in a tent in the middle of the fucking woods and the worst thing that could happen to you is getting jumped by a bear in your sleep—nothing feels okay. There’s still the phantom feeling of getting put through a meat grinder that keeps a perpetual tremble in your bones, that keeps you unknowing of how to act like you’re in one piece. Not act. You are in one piece. But you aren’t. You swear, even though it was just some stupid dream, that it felt real enough to have actually happened. 

“[c/n]?” Soap’s tired voice snaps you out of your thoughts. Right. We’re sharing a tent. You quickly whip your head to look at him, chest still rising up and down rapidly as your unstable breathing continues. You don’t say anything, simply staring at him with wide eyes. 

“Are ye alright?” He frowns, quickly growing more awake the more concerned he gets, “Whit’s wrong?” 

Maybe you’re in some form of shock, but you find yourself staying silent out of the fear of something happening. You’re not sure what that ‘something’ is, but it’s there, and it’s holding you back from even attempting to speak. Your breath hitches and your throat stings. 

“Hey, uh,” Soap pushes himself up with a grunt and walks over a short few steps to you, kneeling down once he’s beside you, “Jist breathe, everything’s gonnae be alright.”

You know he’s not exactly the best at comforting people. He’s always been better with more technical things, and would much rather help you with math homework or something over trying to comfort you after something traumatic. It’s not that he doesn’t want to—of course he does, and he wishes he was much better than he is now at it—but he can never manage to find the right words. 

He puts a tentative hand on your shoulder and you stare at it as it reaches you, flinching back immediately when you can actually feel his hand over your shirt. He pulls his hand back instantly, expression growing even more concerned. 

“Do ye wannae tell me whit happened?” Soap whisper-asks. When you quickly shake your head ‘no’, Soap thinks for a moment before offering, “Do ye want me tae get onyone else?” 

You think about his words for a moment before nodding. He sighs. 

“Who?” 

Your gaze flickers from the exit of the tent before going back to Soap.

“… Cap’n Price,” You quietly decide. Soap nods and reluctantly gets up, making his way out of the tent. 

A few minutes later, you hear Soap walk back into the tent as well as another set of feet that trail right behind him. You look up and over at the entrance of the tent and see your Captain. His eyes are immediately on you, and as soon as he sees the mystified look in your eyes, he’s quick to make his way to you and kneel down beside you. 

He doesn’t know what to say for a moment, you can tell. He instinctively brings a hand up to put on your shoulder like he typically would in situations like these, but something causes him to bring his hand back down and away from you. Maybe Soap told him how you reacted earlier? You brush off the thought for now, more focused on whatever Price is trying to do. 

The reason you wanted him here instead of the others was mainly because you felt the least embarrassed around him. Which was weird, considering that he’s of the highest rank compared to you and the others, but still—you can’t imagine him judging you, not even for the most outrageous things. Maybe he’d have a small fit over you saying “soccer” instead of “football”, but otherwise, you can’t think of a world where he judges you for something like having a nightmare. 

And sure, the others have them too and probably wouldn’t judge you either, but still. Price will probably always be your first option for situations like these. 

“Soap hadn’t told me what happened, yet,” Price says softly, “D’you mind filling me in?” 

If this were anyone else, you’d be fighting the urge to jump off a cliff, but because it’s not, you simply answer, “Nightmare.” 

Your voice is a little clearer now, much to your relief, but it still carries that rasp from earlier. It doesn’t pain you to talk, but it does shock you that you even can, considering that you could barely form a whisper in your nightmare. And yes, that’s a silly thought, knowing that all of that was a nightmare, but you couldn’t care less about that right now.

“A nightmare, alright,” Price hums, before suggesting, “My tent’s bigger than yours, y’know. You wanna bring your sleeping bag over there, so we’re all together? Power in numbers, yeah?”

 You nod mindlessly, agreeing with anything Price says. He smiles at you and hesitantly puts a hand on your shoulder, doing it slowly enough that you have plenty of time to let him know if it’s not okay, but you allow it. Price shoots a look at Soap and the latter nods, confirming whatever Price’s silent look asked him. 

“Alright,” Price gives your shoulder one last squeeze before standing up, waiting for you to stand up as well. Once you do, he starts to walk out of the tent, expecting you to walk after him. Surprisingly, Soap gets up as well, sleeping bag and pillow in hand. Huh. Maybe that’s what he was confirming. You quickly pick up your sleeping bag and pillow, movements a little more stilted than usual as you didn’t expect to actually be able to move as quickly as you can now, and follow Price out of your tent. 

You shiver as you walk out into the cold outside of the woods, and are quick to walk to the much bigger tent across from yours. 

When you enter the tent, Gaz remains asleep while Ghost almost immediately wakes up. It’s uncanny, the speed at which his eyes open and dart to your figure—as if he was never asleep in the first place. You push those thoughts aside and wait for Price to walk in. 

“Wh’t’s goin’ on?” Ghost asks sleepily, his British accent making his slurred words nearly impossible to decipher. 

“They’re stayin’ in here for the rest of the night,” Price answers for you, nodding over to you as he refers to you. 

Ghost looks over at you and you can sense his raised eyebrow despite not being able to see it. You look to Price to explain your situation for you again, and once he sees you look at him, he explains, “Nightmare.” 

Ghost blinks before nodding understandably. Almost immediately, he conks out and goes right back to sleeping like the dead, making Price snort. Price turns to you, and gestures towards the empty spot next to Gaz, the spot conveniently empty and just perfectly sized for your sleeping bag. You walk over there as quietly as you can, shuffling around Ghost’s and Price’s sleeping bags, and gently lay your sleeping bag down next to Gaz’s. 

You set down your pillow inside of the sleeping bag and kneel down as quietly as you can, a soft rustling sounding from your sleeping bag as you settle in. You turn on your side and let out a quiet sigh, eyelids already drooping with exhaustion. You’ve turned towards Gaz, and he’s turned towards you, and you look over his sleeping face for a moment before deciding to catch up on your own rest. 

Just as you’re about to close your eyes, you watch his open. 

“...” He stares at you for a moment, before he sleepily whispers, “Hey.” 

“Hi.” 

“… Y’good?” He asks, looking at your still-glassy eyes and very-clearly-worn-out expression. 

“Yeah, don’t worry about it,” You answer, trying to offer a tiny bit of reassurance. 

“Alright,” Gaz hums, accepting your answer easily, and closing his eyes once again. 

A small smile graces your lips. You’re all used to going to sleep easily, of course, on missions like these—you kind of need to be, given that you’re all military. It took you a bit, but you eventually got used to it, and gained that skill just a few months after joining the task force. 

Speaking of which, you find yourself drifting off to sleep not long after Gaz closes his eyes again, and soon enough, you’ve already fallen asleep—this time, without nightmares or dreams.

[edges-of-night]

Hello! With your comeback I had a grand time re-reading all your past imagines :> they're marvelous! Hope you don't mind me requesting - I had an idea of lotr characters with reader that is in adoration, love, and interest with their hair (and also them! but that's just predictable isn't it, how can you not love them). Even if it's dirty, reader would sometimes help take care of it, and her hands would just go to them on their own. Reader would also love to play with them, and marvel at texture, colour, lenght when they're clean. I had a few characters in mind (Eomer, Boromir, Faramir, Aragorn, Arwena, our 4 lovely hobbits) but I do know that's a lot of them. I am also happy with you choosing only few characters of your taste, or deciding on a completely different one! Quite honestly I'm happy about reading whatever you wish to write in this theme. Pretty please, but also no pressure! And have a great day/night, whenever you end up reading it :>

Thank you very much for your kind words! I know I said the same about the last request I posted, but hair prompts are an absolute weakness of mine haha! I hope you’ll enjoy what I’ve written for your characters, nonnie ♡

(so many glorious L'Oréal style gifs to choose from! ↓)

.

･ﾟ✧ Aragorn.

Rangers are not among the fairest creatures of Middle Earth, but you couldn’t care less – you are in love with Aragorn’s hair. When you’ve first voiced the thought, he was irritated, then amused. Now he softens whenever you go on and on about how beautifully his hair frames his face, how gorgeous he looks when it falls into his face as he’s lost in thought, humming some ancient Elven melody to himself. He may have pondered cutting it short before, but the thought is now discarded.

.

･ﾟ✧ Arwen.

You often find yourself playing with Arwen’s hair whenever you’re close. You have spoken to her about it before, but thankfully Arwen has no problem with you touching her legendary dark and smooth hair. In fact, she likes the intimacy and finds your fascination with it cute. Though she has always loved her long strands herself, she is now in a good mood to try out elaborate, beautiful new hairstyles before your visits to Rivendell to surprise you – it’s like a secret language the two of you are sharing.

.

･ﾟ✧ Boromir.

Boromir has never given his hair much thought; it needed to be practical and nothing more. Imagine his surprise when you offer to help him wash it after a long day of work, sweat, and dirt! He has much to learn in terms of hair care. But even if he was a little hesitant in the beginning, he enjoys your joint baths afterwards far too much! And you braiding his hair is just too romantic to miss. I figure Boromir would also be the kind of person to brag about how much you love his hair – perhaps not with the Elves, but all the more so with fellow Humans!

.

･ﾟ✧ Éomer.

Seeing Éomer at the royal banquet in Edoras has you starstruck: The usually so haggard and modest horse lord wears his hair down in gorgeous dark blond curls, accentuated by golden strands framing the face you have come to love already. Those strands are usually pinned out of his face for practicality during riding and fighting, but now you cannot help but stare – which at first might irritate him. He may not understand your love for his hair right away, but he cannot deny the warmth your compliments spread in his chest and would eventually find it romantic to take care of each other’s hair.

.

･ﾟ✧ Faramir.

You were enamoured with Faramir’s hair the moment you first saw him. His gorgeous waves make him look even dreamier than his kind eyes already do. When you first reach into his hair during a kiss, you blush and apologise – but Faramir loves the attention you give his waves and urges you to not hold back (in fact, he enjoys having his hair pulled). He would ask you about your opinions on which oils and waters to use in it and is in Seventh Heaven whenever you play with it during cuddles ♡

.

･ﾟ✧ Frodo.

Frodo always makes sure his brown Hobbit curls look orderly and enjoys fancy oils, waters, and scents. He is genuinely happy about the presents you gift him to use in his hair. Your love for his curls doesn’t escape his attention, far from it. So, when your hands finally gravitate toward them as you read with Frodo, lost in thought and the legendary stories of your books, all he does is chuckle, letting you play with them until you self-consciously draw away.

.

･ﾟ✧ Merry.

Since he is a bit vain in general, Merry is very protective of his hair. That said, he does have trouble taking care of it sometimes. Luckily you’re here to help! You help him wash it and compliment the colour and texture, which he delights him. Perhaps he would serve you a trick by casually telling you he would cut it short today – but you know better: This Hobbit loves both his hair and your fascination with it far too much for that!

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･ﾟ✧ Pippin.

Pippin wastes no thought on his hair: It gets stuck in branches, twisted in petty fights, and spilled by beer in the Green Dragon. Since he knows are you are “a hair expert”, he one day arrives at your door with a bunch of thistles stuck in his curls. Not only does he appreciate how well you take care of his hair, he loves how much you like it, too. He would kick his feet anytime you played with his curls and especially loves you ruffling them!

.

･ﾟ✧ Sam.

When you tell him how much you like his hair, Sam initially thinks you’re joking. After all, both the hair on his head and on his feet is usually dirty and sweaty from gardening. And besides, who has the time for hair care anyway? But Sam soon realises you’re serious, especially after you stroke and caress his blond curls when you’re lying in his arms. You love how they fall into his green eyes when he looks at you all sweet ♡

.

･ﾟ✧ Bonus: Galadriel.

Galadriel’s long, smooth, golden hair is the stuff of legends, which is why you were so surprised to hear you have been appointed her maid to take care of it. And Elves are so particular about hair, too! It is among your sacred duties to untie your Lady’s braids and brush her hair every night, shining in the lights of her beautiful Elvish rooms in Lórien. Sometimes, she would start humming and smiling and telling you how much she adored you taking care of her like this. Needless to say, she would eventually gift you a strand of her fabled hair ♡

[alekthefox]

OH MY LORD. Aventurine teaching Ratio something. I want what they have...

"Well, there is one thing that I know and you don't, doc."

"Hm? I do not claim to know everything."

"You're not asking what it is?"

"You'll tell me anyways."

"Ah, haha... How about you guess? It's something only I know."

"... I was under the impression it would be perverse and you were joking. Now I am curious."

"Wow! You think so little of me?!"

"I do not, you simply have a pattern."

"Have I become predictable? Now that is a problem."

"Well, clearly the pattern has broken. It was foolish of me to grasp at such with you. Spit it out already."

"Sigonian. Would you like me to teach you, doctor? It could be useful to have a language only we know for moments where privacy is fickle."

Ratio paused. He knew that wasn't the sole reason. Aventurine wanted to share it with him, something he learned in childhood, something of his culture, something so sadly obscure.

"You mean to tell me nobody learned Sigonian to communicate with your people? I'm aware of synesthesia beacons but still, that seems odd."

"Yeah, if we wanted to talk to others we had to use those or have someone with it translate."

They didn't care, simply pushed their own communication onto the sigonians. The IPC prove yet again they are scum.

"Very well. Teach me." I would love to, dear gambler.

"WHAT?! REALLY?! Ah, ahem... Really, doc?"

"I do not see why not."

Aventurine proceeded to first teach Ratio the petname "honey" and claimed it means "gambler." Ratio then decided he needs to teach Aventurine how to teach languages because you should start from the alphabet and 'boring' grammar rules. Aventurine scoffed but was extremely giddy at how eager Veritas was to learn his native language.

[atlasofthestaars]

[MK X READER] New Era - Chapter .010

first part | previous part | next part

NOTE: Finally to chapter 10! 

Don’t think too hard about this poll, it’s only kinda relevant to the plot, but not in a major way. You can theorize what this means, but I won’t really confirm what it means.

Please let me know of the love interests the reader has interacted with so far is your favorite! Preferably in the context of the story ! 

A list of the choices I’m talking about are: Liu Kang. Bi-Han, Kuai Liang, Tomas, Kung Lao, Raiden, Kenshi, and Johnny Cage.

As usual, taking these opinions for about a week after this goes up, aka when the tumblr poll ends!

Kitana made it in as a love interest! I was NOT expecting the total landslide victory she had haha

As a friendly reminder, this story is canon divergent :) Also, this is Mortal Kombat, but I did feel the need to warn for gore near the end!

FROM THE EYES OF ONE WHO WITNESSES SOMETHING TRULY IMPORTANT

Today was finally the day.

Basking in the sunrise, a large grin spread across your face. The gentle beams of light warmed you up to combat the light breeze that passed by. You felt the excitement that surged through you, reminding you of how you felt the day of the entry exam for Kung Lao and Raiden.

That was months ago, and you could hardly believe how much time had passed.

“I see that you are eager for today.” Liu Kang remarked. You turned your head to look back at the god, unable to hide your excitement. The fire god smiled just as brightly as you did, amusement sparkling within his glowing eyes.

“It’s hard not to be.” You quipped, your fingers tapping the wooden railing. You closed your eyes as you envisioned your students that you had trained hard to get to where they were now. Sure, you had been given students that had been trained well, but it was undeniable that you left a positive influence in honing their skills. “We’ll finally determine who Earthrealm’s champion is.” 

“We shall indeed.” Liu Kang stepped beside you, his shoulder brushing against you gently. You enjoyed the warmth the fire god radiated, it felt comforting as usual. He looked at the sunrise. It was funny to you how, despite being a god, he always seemed to enjoy these mundane early mornings with you. Then, he returned his gaze back to you. “Do you have any predictions on who it will be?”

“That’s like picking a favorite.” You pointed out. Still, you pursed your lips and sighed as you deliberated over the answer. You let out a small hum, scooting just a touch closer to Liu Kang. It was colder than usual, and you sought out his warmth. The demigod did not complain as your arm brushed up against him. “I think in my heart I believe in Raiden, but I know he has not beaten Kung Lao yet.”

“I see.” Liu Kang replied. There was something to his tone of voice that you couldn’t quite place. It was as if he expected that answer, but there was also something else there. “Thank you for undertaking the training for the champions.” 

“Thank you for believing in me.” You countered, looking at the god. You paused, trying to remember the words he told you long ago. “I remember how you told me that you trusted me to do this task, all those months ago.” Your gaze dropped to your fidgeting hands. “It really inspired me to hear those words from you. Not just because you’re a god, but because it’s well…you who trusted me, if that makes sense.”

A gentle hand rested on your shoulder. Yet this time, it was on the shoulder furthest from Liu Kang, making his arm gently wrap around your shoulders. He gave your shoulder a squeeze, bringing you just a little closer to him. It was comforting. You looked over to the fire god beside you to see an expression that told you that he was so proud of you.

“I am honored to have inspired you.” Liu Kang said, his voice a bit quieter this time. There was pride and joy within his voice, but you could sense a hint of something else within his tone. It was something you couldn’t quite place, but it made you happy regardless. He paused, eyes searching you. For a moment, you saw his eyebrows furrow and there was an almost imperceptible sadness in his eyes. Then, in the next instant, it was gone. 

What was that?

“Not many can say that a god was honored to motivate them.” You pointed out with a chuckle, joking around to push out the confusion you felt. Were you just seeing things? Or had Liu Kang truly been sad in that one instant? And if he had…why?

“It is only because few are worthy of such praise.” Liu Kang pointed out, and you felt your cheeks grow warm at the compliment. You focused your eyes upon the sunrise once more. You both stood there, side by side, enjoying the early morning peace. “Are you excited to see Outworld?” The god inquired, breaking the silence.

“Excited feels like such an understatement.” You admitted watching the sun rise high into the sky. The oranges and pinks faded out, giving way for a soft blue. “I feel like I might finally learn something about myself once I finally go there.” You told him, alluding to the memories the two of you had long since stopped talking about.

“I hope that you will.” Liu Kang said, though there was a strange tone in his voice. Hesitance? There were a lot of emotions you couldn’t decipher well from him at the moment. You felt his fingers twitch on your shoulders. “Would you ever consider staying in Outworld, given the chance?”

“I…” You began, but your mind blanked. You blinked as you took a deep breath in, trying to think of what you would do. In all honesty, you weren’t certain. The voice in your head told you that you needed to leave this place and go explore in order to figure yourself out. But on the other hand, if you left, you would be leaving the whole life you had been building up behind. “I’m not sure.”

“No need to concern yourself over such a choice right now.” Liu Kang told you, concern in his tone as he noticed how torn you were. Had you been looking over, you would have seen a hint of relief on his face. “It was merely a hypothetical.” 

“I know.” You said, shrugging. “I just never really thought about it.” You admitted, sighing. “Plus, I doubt they would let an Earthrealmer wander around, from what you told me.”

“They are not often fond of Earthrealmers, but that does not mean it is impossible for you to go there and be accepted.” He consoled you. “Do not forget that you are not exactly a normal Earthrealmer.” He told you, reminding you of your potential origins.

You looked at your arms again, remembering the innate magic running through your blood. 

Right. There was a high chance you were an Edenian. A theory only you and the fire god knew. You sighed leaning against the railing. Would it really make a difference if you were of Outworld blood? You were essentially a stranger to everything in Outworld, making you no different than an Earthrealmer.

Sensing your distress, Liu Kang squeezed your shoulder again.

“My apologies.” He said softly, his gaze gentle as he scanned your face. “I did not mean to upset you.”

“You didn’t.” You reassured him, turning to look at him. You brought a hand up and placed it on his hand, squeezing it. “I just worry too much, sometimes, you know me.” You said, poking fun at yourself to lighten up the situation.

“Your worries are not unfounded.” The fire god reassured you, nodding. “But just know, no matter what choice you make in the future, you always have a home in Earthrealm.” 

Your heart swelled, knowing very well he was right. No matter where you went, you knew that you at least had a place to call home. It was a comfort not many had to fall back on. You closed your eyes, unable to hide the smile that spread across your face.

“I know.”

“Here you go.” 

“Finally!” Kung Lao grinned as he took the box from you. You grinned back, watching as he opened the box up and held up the final product. He took in a deep breath as he looked between you and the hat, unable to contain his joy. 

“Go on, put it on.” You encouraged him, gesturing for him to put the hat on. With a nod, he lifted the hat and placed it on his head. You inhaled, feeling that all too familiar wave of nostalgia wash over you. The hat just looked so…right.

“How do I look? Perfect, right?” Kung Lao asked, cockiness in his voice as he struck a pose for you to show off the hat. You snapped out of your stupor.

“I think you’d look a little better like this.” You said, raising a hand up to put a hand on the brim of the hat. You laughed as you pulled the hat down, covering his eyes. He let out a shout of protest as he adjusted the hat back up.

“Foul play!” He huffed, a small pout on his lips as he pulled it back up. He shot you a playful glare, to which only made you laugh again. “I know you’re just jealous though of how good I look.” Kung Lao tacked on, making you roll your eyes. “Oh, here, by the way.”

“Hm?” Confused, you grabbed the small box the former farmhand shoved into your hands. You looked down at it before looking back up, sending him a confused look. “What’s this?” You inquired, lifting the box up to try and inspect it.

“Well, typically when one wants to know what’s in a box, they open it.” Kung Lao pointed out sarcastically. You shot him a narrowed look, making him hold his hands up in surrender. “Just open it!” He insisted, nodding towards the box.

“Alright.” You relented. You opened the box slowly, not certain of what waited for you. You let out an involuntary gasp as you saw the contents. It was a necklace with a chinese dragon engraved intricately. In its hands held two small jade orbs. “When did you…?”

“I made a small request for the blacksmith to make you something too.” The former farmhand admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. He sounded humble as he, in an almost shy way, looked away. He was trying to play it cool. “I got Madam Bo to help design the dragon, and she also provided the jade, Lord Liu Kang also approved of the design too.”

“This is amazing.” You said, unable to hide a grin that spread from ear to ear. “Thank you, Kung Lao.” 

“It’s nothing.” Kung Lao said, putting on his best cocky smile. “You helped me make my hat dreams come true, it’s only fair.” You lifted up the necklace from the box, admiring the craftsmanship in the light. It was truly breathtaking.

“Can you help me put it on?” You asked, looking at the man. He nodded, and you handed it to him, and turned around. Delicately, he placed the chain around your neck, his fingertips brushing against your neck in a gentle way. “Thank you.” 

“Just know now you have something to show off now whenever you talk about Earthrealm’s champion.” Kung Lao bragged as you turned around. You rolled your eyes again, but was unable to hold back a laugh at his bravado.

“We’ll see today if that rings true.” You told him, before turning your attention to Liu Kang who you saw walking into the Wu Shi. “Go back to the others, we’re starting soon.” You instructed him, before quickly running off to go meet up with the fire god.

“I see Kung Lao has his hat.” Liu Kang observed, watching your student run off towards the courtyard. You nodded, smiling as you joined the god’s side. Said fire god’s gaze drifted down and looked at your new necklace. “And I see you have your new necklace.” He said warmly. a smile pulling at his lips. “It looks lovely on you.”

“Thank you.” You said, accepting the compliment. You looked around, sighing. “It’s hard to believe that we’re leaving for Outworld in a week.” You commented, staring up. “I know we just discussed it earlier, but still…it’s hitting me in waves of realization.”

“Indeed. Time passes quite quickly.” Liu Kang said, nodding. You wondered just how mere months felt to the god who, as far as you were concerned, was immortal. “Come, let us go and begin the exams.” He said, tilting his head to the path ahead. You followed, matching his path to the courtyard. 

Once you reached the courtyard, you spotted the four. You smiled, observing them as they discussed amongst themselves. You assumed they were probably bickering, from the expressions on their faces. You blinked as Liu Kang handed you a mallet, gesturing to the gong. You nodded, understanding what he wanted, and swung at the gong. the sound reverberating throughout the Wu Shi.

“And today, one of you will be chosen to fight for it at the tournament.” Liu Kang said, his arms spread out. He walked towards the four men, stopping just before the steps. You followed behind, hands behind your back as you put on your display of teacher professionalism. As the four stopped in front of you two, you stepped to stand beside the god.

“Only one of us, Lord Liu Kang?” Raiden inquired, looking at the two of you. You nodded silently. “Isn’t Outworld fielding several champions?” 

“The tournament’s rules give the host that advantage.” Liu Kang explained, looking around at the four men. “And it is Outworld’s turn as host.” 

“You know…I don’t why I’ve never asked this…” Johnny piped up, placing his hands on his hips. He looked towards Raiden, chuckling before looking back at Liu Kang. “What’s our record at this tournament? Also uh,” The actor gestured towards you, “Why doesn’t teach over there participate either?” 

“Outworld and Earthrealm are pretty even in wins.” You explain, speaking up once Liu Kang looked towards you. “Though, as of late, Earthrealm has been on a bit of a winning streak.” You say, remembering what the fire god had told you about the tournament. “As for me not participating, it’s not my place to participate.” You explained vaguely. You watched as the four looked at you perplexed.

When the tournament had been brought up to you years ago, Liu Kang and you had both agreed that it was probably best for you to not participate. Your potential status as an Edenian, though no one knew of it, would probably be the topic of controversy if that ever got out. It was just better this way.

That and…you had a feeling that someone else was destined for that title.

“Indeed, Earthrealm has been on a winning streak as of late.” Liu Kang said, picking up where you left off. “However, in retaliation, Outworld has been gaining strength.” His voice grew more serious. “Should it win, it’s more militant factions will be emboldened.” 

“I thought you admired Outworld?” Raiden questioned. His tone was polite, though it did drip of confusion at the statements Liu Kang had just said. You figured that was fair, Liu Kang spoke very little ill of the other realm.

“It is a place of great knowledge, wealth, and beauty.” Liu Kang said, walking down the steps. You followed in tow. It was hard to believe the words that left Liu Kang’s mouth, the old version of Outworld burned into your mind. It made you all the more eager to erase those negative memories, and see the new realm he spoke so fondly of.

“But our realms do not share goals and beliefs.” The protector of Earthrealm continued. He walked forward with you by side, and the four candidates for champions followed behind. “We coexist peacefully because Outworld respects our strength.”Should we show weakness, our rival…will become our enemy.”

You held your breath for a moment, briefly remembering Earthrealm in ruins after an attack by a powerful tyrant.

That could not happen. You surely had trained the four enough, right?

“I will not lose, Lord Liu Kang.” Kung Lao spoke, snapping you out of your memories. You glanced over to Kung Lao, holding back a huff. Ever the proud man, but you knew very well that he could back it up. He, after all, won the most during spars and had a lot of potential. His pride was not unfounded.

“First you must win the right to represent us.” Liu Kang told him. You all approached the monks, standing respectfully for you all. In front of you, in the center of the monks was a luxurious wooden chair. Liu Kang stood in front of it, and you took your place behind the chair, standing vigilantly. “Whichever outlasts the others will be chosen.”

Liu Kang sat, and the monks all sat as well. You remained standing, looking carefully at the four you had been in charge of training over several months. You took in a deep breath as silence settled in. Liu Kang had put you in charge of deciding who to test.

“Raiden.” You spoke up. Quickly, the man’s eyes met yours. You stared back, scrutinizing the man before gesturing. “You will go first.” You instructed, following the instinct you had in your gut. You watched as Raiden stepped forward, bowing towards you and Liu Kang. You smiled at him. Then, you heard Johnny Cage’s laugh.

“Good call.” Johnny said, his arms crossed as he looked at his peer. “Cull the weak first.” He said with the utmost confidence. His arms uncrossed, placing his hands on hips. His chest puffed out, showing off his confidence. A smug smile appeared on his face.

“Johnny Cage.” You addressed, meeting his eyes. You held back a sly grin as you nodded towards the place next to Raiden. “You will be his challenger.” Despite the instruction, the confidence did not falter at all, which was expected.

“Ready for your close up?” Kenshi commented.

“Alright, let’s do this.” Johnny Cage confidently said. He leaned forward, stretching a bit. Then he looked over to Raiden and pointed at him. “But remember, farm boy, I’m a global martial arts icon.” The actor bragged. Kenshi and Kung Lao left for the sidelines, allowing the two to get in their positions. “I don’t think you can handle this much boom.”

“I am ready, Johnny Cage.” Raiden replied simply. He was not deterred from the swagger the actor brought. You smiled, glad to see that over time, his training had instilled more confidence within his abilities. “My mind and spirit fight as one.”

“Fight!” Liu Kang’s voice rang out.

You held your breath as it began. Early on, you watched as Johnny Cage took the advantage, going aggressive against Raiden. Predictably, his reckless style was soon countered by the defensive and reactive way Raiden fought against him. 

It did not take long for Raiden to take down the actor, in the end.

“This fight was an honor.” The former farmhand remarked. He stretched out a hand towards Johnny, who sat on the ground. There was a moment of hesitance, and you saw the unhappy look on the American’s face. Still, he took the hand and got up with the winner’s help. 

“You’re welcome.” Johnny replied, a slight disgruntled tone in his voice. Still, he took the loss as it were.

“Kenshi Takahashi.” You spoke, watching as Johnny Cage walked off, shaking off the loss. Your eyes traveled to the swordsman, who was now alert. “You will face Raiden next.” You instructed. The man nodded, stepping up to the fighting grounds, his sword already unsheathed. 

“You have skills, Raiden, but you’re inexperienced.” Kenshi remarked, staring down his competition. Your eyebrows raised at the barest hint of trash talk. 

“Whatever experience I lack, I make up for in heart.” Raiden countered, once again not thrown off by his opponent’s insult. He even did not go to insult them back, remaining humble as ever. Determined, he matched Kenshi’s gaze.

“It’s nerve, not heart, that wins fights.” The swordsman berated. His eyes narrowed, at what he thought was the folly of his opponent. The two settled into their fighting stances, ready to duke it out for the position. “I should know, I’ve been in hundreds of them.”

This fight was much slower paced. It was a patient battle between two fighters who did not dare to show weakness to the other. Blows were traded with caution, and you noticed how every moment of weaknesses from either one was exploited. It was tense, despite the defensive fight. 

Still, in the end, Kenshi had underestimated his opponent. Ultimately he went for an attack that was too risky. Taking advantage of it, Raiden took the chance and toppled his opponent, leaving Kenshi lying on the ground in defeat.

“Do you still question my nerve?” Raiden inquired, staring down at the defeated swordsman. 

“I do not.” Kenshi replied, getting up from the ground on his own. A sorrowful and disappointed look appeared on his face. “Yours was a well earned victory.” The man admitted. Although you could sense the disappointment in his own ability lingering, you watched as Kenshi bowed respectfully to Raiden. Raiden returned the bow.

“You may rest.” Liu Kang spoke up. You watched as the god stood up, walking towards the victor. You walked past the monks, joining by his side. “This evening you will face your final opponent.” You both looked to the left, to Kung Lao.

A smug smile appeared on the man’s face. This was the fight you had been expecting. It made sense. The most naturally talented of your four against the hardest worker. Not only that, but they had been together since their origins. To you, it felt as if it were to be.

“Come, I’ll make you all dinner.” You told your students, looking around. You watched as they perked up, following you to the dining hall of the Wu Shi. As they followed you, you turned to give them all a bright smile. “I’m proud of all of you.” You told them, and you truly meant it.

Liu Kang watched as everyone dispersed, including the other monks. He was left in silence, observing the peaceful courtyard around him. He heard something, and turned around. A hint of surprise appeared on his face as he watched as Geras appeared before him.

“Geras.” He said, a hint of surprise in his voice at the sudden appearance. 

“Lord Liu Kang.” The construct spoke, dipping his head respectfully. He looked at his creator, a serious look on his face. “I need to speak to you.” He said, a tone of urgency in his voice. “It’s about…” His voice dropped to a whisper, speaking your name.

For the first time in eons, Liu Kang’s blood ran cold.

“Lord Liu Kang, where have you been?”

You let out a sigh of relief as you spotted Liu Kang approaching the Wu Shi. You walked up to him, a furrow in your brow. Night had already settled in, and you had to arrange the fight yourself since the fire god had been absent. While you went out to look for him, you had put Kenshi in charge, much to Johnny’s distaste.

“I simply had to retrieve something.” Liu Kang told you, holding a small box. He handed it to you. “Give this to the victor.” He instructed you, and you nodded. You looked at Liu Kang a moment longer, a pit of worry in your stomach.

Why was he avoiding your gaze?

“Alright.” You said, pushing out the paranoid voice in your head. You shouldn’t linger on what was surely something insignificant. You looked down at the box, gripping it tightly. There was a tense moment between you two that passed before Liu Kang walked off, and you followed.

Masking your concern, you put on a neutral face as you both made your way to the courtyard. Kenshi and Johnny looked back, varying looks of relief on their faces as you both appeared. Kung Lao and Raiden, ever vigilant, remained in their sitting positions. You ignored the looks Kenshi and Johnny sent your way as you stood behind Liu Kang’s chair.

You were being paranoid.

“Proceed.” You instructed breaking the silence, after waiting for Liu Kang to fully settle in his seat. Wordlessly, Raiden and Kung Lao stood up. A smug smile was plastered on Kung Lao’s face, which contrasted Raiden’s determined look. 

“Fifty bucks says Kung Lao wins.” Johnny Cage whispered, leaning behind you to bet with Kenshi. 

“Make it interesting.” Kenshi replied. “Bet me Sento.” 

“Hah!” Johnny let out a laugh. “Not on your life.” He declared. You found yourself smiling at their antics, lessening your tenseness. Johnny Cage proved to provide some relief from the stress that followed you once again.

“Raiden. Kung Lao.” Liu Kang addressed the two men, after standing up. He approached them, looking between them. “The winner of this match will represent Earthrealm against Outworld. It is a grave duty, not to be undertaken lightly.” He reminded them. “You may step back now, and suffer no dishonor.” 

“I choose to fight, Lord Liu Kang.” Raiden declared first, stepping up. His determination did not waver as he stared at the god.

“As do I.” Kung Lao piped up. His voice held a cocky tone to it, as if he already knew the winner of the match. 

“Then may the best person win.” Liu Kang declared. He bowed to both Raiden and Kung Lao, who both bowed respectfully in return. You shifted, gripping the box in your hands tighter. Anticipation grew as you wondered what exactly was in the box. Liu Kang returned to his seat.

“Concede Raiden.” Kung Lao goaded his fellow peer, after letting out a small confident laugh. His hand gestured to him. “You have never beaten me.” He reminded him, pointing at the other man who also hailed from Fengjian. “That won’t change today.”

“No?” Raiden replied. “If there’s one thing I learned…” You watched as Raiden glanced to you before returning his gaze to Kung Lao. “...the only constant in the universe is change.” The two, almost simultaneously got into their fighting positions. 

The match was almost electric. 

Kung Lao started off confident, strong, as he always did. Not deterred by Raiden’s words, he fought with precision and grace. Raiden, on the other hand, was more bold in this match than his last two. It was as if he were trying to match the confidence his friend had. 

Blow for blow, the two fought as if it were an intense dance. The spirit the two had did not waver, even as they chipped each other’s defenses. You had to remind yourself to breathe at times, captivated by the way they fought. It was almost like a performance with how it all went down.

All things had to come to an end, and just when you expected Kung Lao to overtake his fellow farmhand, your jaw dropped as Raiden sent Kung Lao toppling to the ground.

He had finally won.

“There’s a first time for everything, Kung Lao.” Raiden remarked. He helped Kung Lao up, who although baffled, accepted the help. You sensed the confusion and disappointment within the loser of the match. The monks all stood up and Liu Kang approached the two. You passed by the monks who were now dispersing, moving to step beside the god.

“Although you have all trained well, Raiden has excelled.” Liu Kang declared. “This outcome does not surprise me.” The god looked between the two, before looking back at you. You held up the box you had been entrusted with.

“How could I have-” Kung Lao muttered to himself, his head bowed as he lingered over his loss. You felt a twinge of pity for the man. He lifted his head, meeting your gaze before looking towards Raiden. “Congratulations Raiden.” He said, bowing respectfully. The rare hint of humbleness shone through his voice. 

“For the tournament, you will need this.” Liu Kang spoke, gesturing back to you. You lifted your hand, hesitating for a moment before you opened it. You froze as you saw the amulet within. An intricately carved amulet, the middle made of glass with a glowing dragon etched into it. It crackled with electricity. 

Raiden lifted it up, inspecting it, but you were lost in your mind.

That was the amulet you remembered. The very same amulet that…

Looking up, you froze as you saw a vision of an older Raiden. glancing down at the amulet. It was cracked and nearly shattered. The thunder god’s eyes glowed as they stared down. A grievous look was on his face.

You were in a cathedral of sorts, yet the scene around you was anything but holy. 

It smelt of death. In the distance, you saw the bodies of people you could only remember as allies, but in the state they were in, you could hardly recognize them. Guts were strewn about, blood was split. It all smelt eerily fresh, but you had no idea how they became that way.

Breath quickening, you glanced down. Tears instinctively filled your eyes as your hands grabbed at a person in your lap. Who was this? You hand moved to cup the cheek, wincing as you felt fresh blood coat your palm.

Her breath was shaky, and you couldn’t make out the words you were saying to her. Tears clouded your vision, dropping onto the face you couldn’t make out. Her hand grabbed yours, and you watched her lips move weakly.

What was she saying to you?

“Tell me Raiden, how will we honor their sacrifice!?” Liu Kang’s voice rang out, the only clear thing you could hear. It was angry, mocking, distressed. You looked up and around, trying to see where he was. Through your tears you could see him.

Liu Kang was mortal. Dressed in red and black, he did not have the grevious wounds and blood like the others did. He was clean and uninjured, much like you. You watched as he glared at Raiden who looked distraught. His intense glare looked over to you, and softened.

“Are you okay?”

Lightning crackled.

Flinching, you blinked, snapping out of your stupor. You sniffed, shaking your head. Your breath calmed as you looked around, remembering that you were here, in the Wu Shi academy. Not in a cathedral full of death and despair.

You avoided the concerned look Liu Kang sent your way, forcing a proud smile on your face. You watched as Raiden, with the amulet, continued to blast away at one of the four statues holding the middle arena up.

“Holy Ark of the Covenant!”

“It is incredible.” Raiden remarked, staring down at the amulet he held. You took in a deep breath, avoiding looking at the object in his hand, instead looking at the man himself. You swallowed, trying to nod encouragingly. “But is it necessary?”

“In addition to possessing great might, the Outworlders you will face also wield great magic.” Liu Kang stated, his eyes glancing towards you for a mere moment. “The amulet levels the playing field.” He told him. folding his hands together before returning his attention to you. You held your head up, trying to not show the weakness you had previously displayed.

“You must be careful, Raiden.” Kung Lao said, a concerned tone in his voice. He placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder, looking at him. “You could get hurt. Even killed!” You tensed up, the words sending panic through you.

“No tournament participant has ever been greviously injured or killed.” Liu Kang informed him. Yet, at the same time part of his words seemed to be directed towards you. Was he trying to reassure you as well? You figured it was better he assumed you were worried over Raiden than what you were actually freaking out over. “I would never send my champions unwittingly into mortal kombat.”

The words he spoke, though meant to be comforting, felt like a jab after what you remembered.

“We leave in seven days for Outworld’s capital, Sun Do.” Liu Kang spoke, and you once again had to snap yourself out of your stupor. “The tournament will be held at the Palace of Empress Sindel.” He said, and then he dismissed the four.

You stood there, watching as the four dispersed, not knowing what to or what do say after the frightening memory you had regained.

“Are you okay?” Liu Kang inquired, standing next to you. 

What should you do? Tell him the truth? Spill your heart out about the horror you witnessed, and the many worries you had about the memories you had? Tell him how you were confused and terrified why you had these memories?

You opened your mouth, swallowing nervously as you found it had become dry. You gripped the empty box, your mind bitterly reminding you of what had just lay inside. Your heart pounded, and you felt the urge to collapse.

“I was just worried for Raiden’s sake.” You lied, the words slipping out before you could think again. You watched as Liu Kang assessed your face, before he nodded. You couldn’t tell if he believed you or not, the glowing eyes he bore now much harder to read than the mortal ones.

“He will be fine, you have trained him well.” The fire god reassured you, a hand reaching out to touch your shoulder and to squeeze it comfortingly. You smiled at him, trying to ignore the pit of guilt and worry that built up in your stomach.

“I know.”

You didn’t know why you lied, nor why you felt like it was better that you did.

part eleven

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feeling like. ep 60 was such a fantastic arc finale battle ep. and auugh. like so many things. LIKE .

the slow build up of tension over the ep felt really good and perfect, as it escalates from alexandrite being silly and goofy to. gargantuan cyberflesh horror. and how the dice were UNCANNILY perfect for it all. like. the nat 1 vs nat 20 roll for the town and suddenly the entire mood shifts and the stakes are so much realer, and personal. followed up by the nat 20 for the town! followed up by TWO callie crits and her dealing 130 DAMAGE like each turn!!!! like!!!!! AUGH... the. just the beats of it all was soo good and.

tying to that .. the character moments for this ep were so good !!! every character got their moment to shine in the battle. already discussed callie absolutely whomping fucking ass, but of course the smaller moments as well. offering to go and defend calders town. seeing the faewild sky and "i think i needed to leave to become worthy of it" - like and as the culmination of callies arc. from someone who was so scared and running away to. staying, standing, fighting, protecting. AND ITS GOOD.

then of course theres calder. i mean also the . ARC. of the only thing he wanted was not to be overprotected. wanting to be useful - like his brothers, people who had strength and value in the eyes of their people, big enough to defend their town. and he has come all the way here. he changes the tides of the battlefield in the town - and he does it with the attachments of his friends and the love of his family. and like... god. really crystalising his ethos in a way that is foiled so well against gowan. gowan who was too proud to ask for help. vs "i cant do it without you" "but damn does it feel good when your friends have your back" ... !!!! AYYEARGH. like. hes becoming the protector of his home! but maybe now, his home is so much bigger than the ice knife, and hes not fighting alone .... YOU KNOW.

AND SOL!!!!! sol to my knowledge only deals 30 damage this battle but. as a resident sol enjoyer i !!! am VERY MUCH CLAPPING AND CHEERING!! at the deeply supportive role he took on for this fight. like hes the first to get the ice knife away from alexandrite, he gives callie an extra smite, silvery barbs.... ! like the short rest realisation of how different the battle wouldve gone without that silvery barbs is .... ! SO ITS GOOD. and at the end that he was the one to get the final blow on alexandrite and it was for swag is ...

and! that part was obviously a joke! as is the entire "keep em guessing haha alexandrite cant predict what were doing!!!" thing. HOWEVER. relistening to the ezry arc, and their first interaction w alexandrite as we now know her ... i just. REALLY feel like this is the spiritual successor to "were duck team and were messy and were friends and we do everything together and we absolutely suck shit all day long and all night baby". theyre so fucking stupid is the thing. and theyre messy and stupid and constantly saying things that are weird and make no sense and completely and utterly baffling .... and thats DUCK TEAM!!! (theres also a point here where im overreading somewhat. but the part about Keepin em Guessin... one could POSSIBLY argue it interacts in a MAYBE DEEPLY INTERESTIGN WAY with . the idea of the calculated certainty of the AI, the calm and cold prediction of the diviners, and the wild freedom of the peregrines. idk!!! maybe!!! maybe you cld even say that what lies at the heart of duck team is their messiness and outofplaceness and love and care and refusal of the tragedy!!! even!! maybe!! but YEAH. lol random XD ! keep em guessin!)

also the thing that made me write all this which is like. ! the final victory lap scene is just. so wonderfully cathartic, esp with how tense this entire arc has been. its just. fuck yeah we won and all our friends and family are here and safe and riding on mammoths!!! i mean. FUCKING ALBINS BACK!!!! GREGORS HERE AND KICKIN ASS!!! THE MA GOBLIN BRIGADE!!! A WIN. and ... that bit of callie just sitting on the roof playing a guitar as she stares into the fae wild sky is ... its good.. its good..

and all that is maybe. half the reasons why ep 60 is so good. i didnt even get around to talking about the fucking EMILY AXFORD SONG WHICH IVE BEEN PLAYING NONSTOP ALL DAY SO. yeah. so i like this ep i guess

[jtl07]

Hi! Am I late to my favorite thing?! I love JT shenanigans 👏🏼📝 But first: the theater au is a really cool idea! I can totally picture the situation, haha. Of course Bea knows all the lines. And wow, the boat prompt 🔥 Okay here comes my prompt: fitness center + «oops my bad»

not late at all! and so glad you like the college theater au - more to come on that soon i hope 🤞

now to your prompt: my mind immediately went to i see you clearly now (i hold you dearly now) particularly this bit:

Beatrice [...] working out at the gym (Beatrice had gently suggested that Ava stay at home after causing a scene that Ava still blames Beatrice for - anyone with eyes would have had the same reaction to you doing hip thrusts, Bea -

(actually, @ant-heia i'm pretty sure you made a comment about this line lol)

so what if we noodle what this scene could've looked like? as in: Ava, still unseen, following along when Beatrice goes to the gym...

[under the cut because it got a little rambly lol]

Ava's not gonna lie: not having a body sucks.

it sucks because she can feel the sun but not really, she can move things but only so much, she can speak but not at times that she can control or predict - all they've figured out so far is that it isn't something they can fix.

and yeah, she misses how it feels like to stretch out on the bed after a good night's rest, misses how it feels like to sleep at all. she misses basking in the sun, misses even the way sweat collects in all those weird places on a hot day.

she misses too: having boobs.

but at least there's Bea's boobs. now, to be clear: Ava does her best to give Beatrice privacy in the apartment, makes sure to be go into the living room or the kitchen when Beatrice is changing or using the bathroom. and she makes sure then whenever she's looking, to only look with the utmost of respect - which is what she's absolutely doing now, tucked into a corner away from the flow of gym folks, the spandex and various levels of undress going unnoticed as she focuses solely on Beatrice's form - the flush on her cheeks, the steadiness of her form, the subtle bounce of her chest with every step she takes as she finishes her warmup on the treadmill.

Ava makes sure to be at Beatrice's side when she steps down from the machine, sees her smile as she registers her presence. and really, that's the only thing that makes this all bearable - Beatrice and her gentleness, her cleverness; the sense of togetherness they've built despite and in spite of Ava's state of being. because to bear witness to Beatrice's life, to live with her even now - it's a gift, even as she is.

and if Ava can be completely honest: witnessing Beatrice at the gym is the best gift she could have ever received.

if she still had her body, she'd have melted by now, watching -respectfully! - as Beatrice works the different muscles of her body, focused and deliberate, grace and power in every move. (and if Ava brushes her hand along the curve of Beatrice's bicep, her shoulder, the outside of her thigh - that's between her and the quiet smirk Beatrice gives her in return.)

she's memorized Beatrice's routine by now so when Beatrice diverts to a bench with a barbell in her hands, she frowns. "you're gonna do another round of chest presses?" Ava asks, confused especially with the lack of a weight rack. while she can help spot Beatrice if she needs assistance, they won't be able to explain a barbell seemingly floating in midair.

"no," Beatrice murmurs and Ava steps back, tucks herself again out of the way as she watches Beatrice carefully sets herself up, sitting on the floor perpendicular to the bench, barbell at her hips, feet braced. Ava has no idea what to expect when Beatrice takes that deep breath she always does before she begins a set and lifts -

Ava swears she passes out.

when she comes to, the first thing she sees is the near panic on Beatrice's face, an expression Ava hates and instantly surges forward to abate with a touch at Beatrice's wrist. "i'm here," Ava says, and feels Beatrice instantly relax.

"are you alright?" she asks, her brow lined with worry. if Ava still had a face, she'd frown (she misses that too, making faces, feeling her feelings on her face) because of course she's alright, she's invisible, nothing can hurt her while she's like this.

then she notices Beatrice's gaze shift to the side - and finally sees the cause for her concern: the long line of dumbbell stands where Ava had been hovering, now overturned like dominoes.

"oops," is all Ava can manage as Beatrice makes a sound that sounds like a sigh and a laugh wrapped in one, "my bad."